Page 5 - MidWeek - Jan 4, 2023

STEM4Real is a nonprof- it professional learning organization that com-
ing sequences, and cultivate a culture of inclusion in their classrooms.
says, “During the STEM- 4Real institute, the facilita- tors shared the importance of social justice and incorporat- ing culture into lessons and I agree 100%. As a native Ha- waiian educator who teaches in Hawai‘i, it has always been important for me to share mo‘olelo and both modern and ancient cultural practices with my students. By incor- porating culture into lessons, many students find personal connections and develop a sense of pride in what they are learning. They are also encouraged to talk with fam- ily members to learn more about their own family histo- ry and cultural background.”
The biggest challenge faced by STEM4Real is shift- ing the mindsets of education leaders and teachers so that they see the benefits of cul- turally responsive practices with every student.
JANUARY 4, 2023 MIDWEEK 5
The Power Of Culture, Aloha And ‘Āina To Teach STEM
By Leena Bakshi, founder and executive director of STEM4Real
bines standards-based con- tent learning and leadership through an equity-focused and justice-centered lens.
Founded in 2018, STEM- 4Real has served more than 40 schools and districts and approximately 300 teachers. STEM4Real has partnered with schools to help teach- ers create interdisciplinary science lessons aligned with the Next Generation Science Standards, which is the new science standards implement- ed by the state Department of Education.
Our mission is to help edu- cators create high-quality and culturally responsive instruc- tion in order to truly make STEM education #4Real for every single student.
Leena Bakshi presents at the Hawai‘i Science Teachers Association Conference.
PHOTO COURTESY COREY HARKINS
STEM4Real receives fund- ing directly through grants and direct contractual part- nerships with schools and districts.
STEM4Real was created so educators can combine STEM and educational eq- uity in their instruction and leadership practices. We en- courage educators to connect with their students, create culturally responsive learn-
Last summer, STEM4Re- al partnered with the Hawaiʻi Online Portal for Education project to host a summer in- stitute for teachers through-
out the state. Participants had the chance to connect, create and cultivate inclusive STEM classroom environments that honor Hawaiian heritage.
said, “STEM4Real provided an eye-opening experience on how I can teach my content area to inspire my keiki to honor and better tend to our ‘āina.”
If you would like to fund educators through our STEM4Real programs, you can give online at stem4real. org/donate.
A 4Real participant and high school math teacher from Kailua High School
Another example is from participant Pua Pali, who
You can also learn more about STEM4Real by book- ing a call through our web- site, stem4real.org/partner.
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